The Hidden Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

An alien slug with a penchant for Ferraris and heavy metal possesses a string of Californians, leading a grumpy cop and another, even stranger alien to team up and cause even *more* destruction, but for good this time, maybe.

🍿 The Hidden: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Violent Crime Spree Begins

The film opens with a shocking bank robbery committed by Jack DeVries, who displays extreme violence and a penchant for fast cars. Detective Thomas Beck is assigned to the case, baffled by DeVries’ sudden descent into criminality. An FBI agent, Lloyd Gallagher, arrives, claiming to be tracking DeVries from Seattle, adding another layer of mystery to the investigation.

Body-Snatching Alien

DeVries dies in the hospital, but before passing, a grotesque alien parasite emerges from his mouth and enters another patient, Jonathan Miller. Miller, previously docile, now exhibits the same violent tendencies and love for material possessions as DeVries. Beck and Gallagher must unravel the truth behind these bizarre transformations.

Partnership and Revelation

As the alien continues to jump from body to body, causing mayhem, Beck becomes increasingly suspicious of Gallagher. Gallagher reveals he’s not who he seems: He is Alhague, an alien police officer tracking the parasitic alien, which killed his family. Alhague reveals the parasitic alien’s weakness and explains his need to stop it at all costs.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lloyd Gallagher/Alhague (Kyle MacLachlan): An alien law enforcement officer from a distant planet who pursues a parasitic alien to Earth.
• Tom Beck (Michael Nouri): A Los Angeles police detective who teams up with Gallagher to stop a series of violent crimes.
• The Alien (Various): A parasitic alien entity that possesses human bodies and indulges in violent crime sprees.
• Brenda Lee Van Buren (Claudia Christian): A stripper whose body is temporarily taken over by the parasitic alien, leading to a deadly rampage.
• Lt. John Masterson (Clarence Felder): Tom Beck’s superior officer who becomes a host for the alien.
• Jack DeVries (Chris Mulkey): The first human host the alien parasite inhabits upon arriving on Earth, initiating a crime spree.
• Sen. Holt (John McCann): A U.S. Senator and presidential candidate whose body is the ultimate target of the alien, seeking power and influence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Tom Beck: “He killed 14 people in 12 days, he robbed four banks, two jewelry stores and a candy store. Eight of those he carved up with a butcher’s knife – two of those were kids, if anyone deserves to go like that it sure in the hell is him.” – Beck defends his lack of sympathy for the comatose DeVries, highlighting the alien’s brutality.
• Jonathan Miller: “I want that car.” – Miller, possessed by the alien, expresses his desire for a Ferrari with chilling simplicity.
• Lloyd Gallagher: “I read minds.” – Gallagher nonchalantly admits his ability when Beck questions his insights.
• The Alien: “Earth would be easy.” – The alien boasts of how easy it would be to take over earth

💰Box Office

• Budget: $5,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,747,988
• Worldwide Gross: $9,748,233

💥 The Hidden Reviews

Personal Review

I love this movie! It’s one of those ’80s gems that I can watch over and over again. Kyle MacLachlan is perfectly weird, and the alien’s obsession with Ferraris and heavy metal is hilarious. The practical effects still hold up, and the action is non-stop. I remember being genuinely creeped out the first time I saw the alien slug, and the scene where the alien takes over the stripper… unforgettable! Definitely a must-see for any sci-fi fan. The ending is also surprisingly heartwarming.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of 80s sci-fi action”
  • “Viewers who enjoy body-snatching themes”
  • “Fans of Kyle MacLachlan’s quirky roles”
  • “Those who like films with practical effects and high body counts”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”
  • “Gore”

Professional Reviews

• Los Angeles Times: “A surprisingly clever B-movie that manages to blend sci-fi thrills with genuine humor. MacLachlan’s quirky performance is a highlight, and the action sequences are well-executed.
• Variety: “Solid genre fare. The Hidden offers a fast-paced ride with enough twists to keep audiences engaged. Nouri and MacLachlan make for an unlikely but effective duo.

Audience Reactions

Kyle MacLachlan’s performance as the alien FBI agent is both bizarre and captivating.: Viewers praise the film’s inventive plot, fast pace, and blend of action, sci-fi, and humor.

The over-the-top action sequences, particularly the car chase, are a major draw.: The high body count and outrageous violence make it a guilty pleasure for many.

Overall Consensus: A cult classic that blends sci-fi, action, and humor into a uniquely entertaining experience, elevated by strong performances and a wild premise.

Awards

1. Avoriaz Fantastic Film Festival (Special Jury Award)- 1988

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The script was written by Jim Kouf, who also wrote ‘Stakeout’.”
• “Jack Sholder, the director, had previously directed ‘A Nightmare on Elm Street 2: Freddy’s Revenge’.”
• “The film’s budget was estimated to be $5 million.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Hidden?

The Hidden is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred streaming service or online retailer for availability. You can also find physical copies (DVD/Blu-ray) online and in stores.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Hidden, you might like these similar films:

• Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1978): Shares the theme of aliens taking over human bodies, exploring the loss of individuality and humanity.
• They Live (1988): Also released in the 80’s. Social commentary on consumerism and hidden alien forces.
• Venom (2018): Similar buddy cop dynamic with an alien symbiote as one of the protagonists. High-octane action.

🛒 The Hidden Related Products

• The Hidden [Blu-ray]: The Hidden on Blu-ray delivers enhanced picture and sound quality. Experience the film in high definition and relive the 80s sci-fi action.
• The Hidden Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original movie poster. A great addition to any sci-fi movie collection, printed on archival paper to last.
• 1/18 Ferrari 308 GTS Magnum P.I.: Accurately detailed model of the car featured in the movie. Collector’s item that accurately reflects the vehicle and represents an action sequence in the movie.
• Heavy Metal Greatest Hits CD: Enjoy some classic heavy metal tunes that the Hidden alien loved so much.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Hidden features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Hidden” – performed by The Truth

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

The Hidden Genius of FINAL DESTINATION

Ever wondered why *Final Destination* is so iconic and sticks with you? This video breaks down the movie’s genius, going beyond just the gore. I found the analysis of the film’s structure really interesting – check it out!

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